Bring It

Let's reflect a moment on outdoor life about 6 months ago . . .

Jenny showing the ease of her snowshoes

Kirsten and I on top of the quiet BML sledding hill.

Cold, but nothing beats this quiet peacefulness!

winter toys

always adorable aunt Julie

We do have a front walk under all this snow!

crazy, crazy amounts of snow

our back deck . . . somewhere

Fastforward to today . . . 80 degrees, 0 humidity, breezy. We deserve it! Funny how things can change in 6 months. One of the things I love about living in New Jersey. So, bring it . . . bring on these beautiful days of summer.

ahhh.....summer...

Still snuggly at 4

Yesterday, when Kirsten was still 3, I asked her if she would still snuggle with me when she turned 4. After a brief moment, she laughed and said of course, mommy!! I asked her what about at age 7 . . . 10 . . . . 15? She assured me yes, but I'm not so sure . . .

This past week I read an article in Good Housekeeping magazine (I know, I was reading non school/educational related material!!!) about a mom's relationship with her daughter, and the changes that took place from kindergarten to high school. As I think constantly about what it means to be a mom to girls, I can't help but to think about what my relationship will be with my girls in 5 years . . . 10 . . . 15?

This morning Kirsten woke up and she said "mommy, do you still want me to be 3?" (referring to my constant pleas to please stay 3) and after my smile, she said "too bad, I'm 4!"

Kirsten is my fireball, trouble disguised with adorable short curly hair and big blue eyes, a smile and a nighttime/morning snuggler that melts away the sister fighting that goes on during the day, a piece of work with a sense of humor.

So, another year of birthdays is past. Another year of health, growth and learning for my girls, and for their mom.

Happy 4th birthday Kirsten Ruth! You will always be my love bug!

A quick birth on the evening of a very hot June 24, 2007.

I was skeptical as we left the driveway waving to Jenny

that I could love another child as much as I loved my first.

Not a problem.

1st Birthday

Adorable at 2

Sharing 3rd birthday smiles with Grandma Ruth,

they will always share their special day together.

4 years old and still snugglin'!

Sleeping Beauty

In a few short days, my 11th year of teaching middle school will come to an end.

In a few short days, Jenny will be a first grader and Kirsten will be in pre-school.

In a few short days, SUMMER "VACATION" will begin.

June.

So many "ends" in June for teachers, students, moms, youth group leaders. . .

One of the "ends" is the culmination of another year of dance. Jenny has been doing dance since she was 3, and I'm not sure where she gets the gift, but she certainly is developing this gift of hers and is loving it. I used to cringe at the thought of dance recitals, probably because I was never a dancer. Matt can draw a crowd at a wedding, and my dad is known for his chicken dance, but I've got nada.

Last night was Jenny's recital. I got a tear in my eye seeing her so confident and so beautiful up on stage, a true princess. I'm wondering if this is something she will stick with, and although I always envisioned myself as a soccer mom, maybe I'll be a "dance mom" instead. Either or, I'm very proud to be this little girl's (and Kirsten's) mom!

Weekend Guests

Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a huge animal fan.

Sure, some are cute, some are cuddly, but some are just downright stinky, dirty and smelly.

Sometimes though, it's not about me!

Jenny's kindergarten class has been learning about chicks and their life cycle (that is up until the part of their life where they end up on my grill . . . ). They went to the farm, picked up some eggs, and brought them back to their classroom to watch them hatch.

Last week our parent memo asked for volunteers to house these chicks a night.

Feeling a little nudge inside my head, I volunteered and lucky us, we got them for an entire weekend!

Needless to say, I survived and the girls got a kick out of them.

It's all about the memories. Kindergarten only happens once.

Weekend living quarters.